BB824: An Introduction to the Biology of Marine Mammals (5 ECTS)

STADS: 04006701

Level
Master's level course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the spring semester.
3rd quarter.
Rexam after 4th quarter.

Teacher responsible
Email: magnus@fjord-baelt.dk

Timetable
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Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
The Bachelor degree in Biology or the equivalent should be passed.

Course introduction
The aim of the course is to introduce the students to selected topics in the biology of marine mammals presented through lectures and guest lectures by experts in the field and by participating in a small practical project at Fjord & Bælt, the Marine Biological Research Center in Kerteminde and at Odense Zoo.

Expected learning outcome
By the end of the course the student should be able to:

• Generally explain marine mammal evolution, physiology including thermoregulation and sensory physiology, orientation biology, distribution, reproductive biology, population biology and molecular genetics for this purpose, and by-catch problems.
• Work in a small group on a limited, practical project concerning marine mammal biology.
• Work in a small group when preparing a written report over the results of a practical project.
• Verbally present the results of a practical project to peers.

Subject overview
The topics in this course on marine mammal biology will vary from year to year. Some suggested topics are evolution and systematics, mating systems, reproduction, behavior, distribution, feeding and energetics, respiration, diving and thermoregulation, conservation and epidemics, communication; echolocation and sound production, hearing, anatomy and physiology, population biology, genetics and molecular genetics.

Literature
There isn't any litterature for the course at the moment.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
a) Active participation (min. 80%) during lectures, and in the discussion groups during the practicals. Approval of the written project report and oral presentation of the results and conclusions. Pass/fail, internal evaluation by teacher.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

Forelæsninger samt gæsteforelæsninger over udvalgte emner, baggrundsmateriale meddeles. Et praktisk projekt over en forlænget weekend (i minihold på to til fire personer) gennemføres på instituttets Marinbiologiske Forskningscenter i samarbejde med Fjord & Bælt og i Odense Zoo. Havpattedyrarter, som er til rådighed, er spættede sæler, (Phoca vitulina), søløver (Zalophus californianus), søkøer (Trichechus manatus), og marsvin (Phocoena phocoena). Som emner for de praktiske projekter kan nævnes svømning og dykningsadfærd, fourageringsadfærd, termoregulation, akustisk kommunikation, ekkolod og byttefangst. Andre emner kan også komme på tale. En kort rapport over projektet skal godkendes og fremlægges af miniholdet i seminarform.
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in English.

Remarks
There is a minimum of 10 participants.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.